Will 84 Disinfectant Corrode Car Paint?

[Teixeira]

84 disinfectant can indeed corrode car paint. Using insufficiently diluted 84 disinfectant may cause the car's body paint to peel off and corrode chrome trim, resulting in white spots. Here are some methods for paint maintenance: Daily Maintenance: Before, during, and after vehicle use, promptly remove dust from the car body to minimize the adsorption of dust by static electricity. Rinse the car promptly after rain. Rain spots on the car body will gradually shrink, increasing the concentration of acidic substances in rainwater. If not rinsed off with clean water promptly, these rain spots can damage the paint over time. When washing the car, do so after the engine has cooled down. Avoid washing the vehicle under intense sunlight or high temperatures to prevent detergent from drying and leaving marks. Winter Maintenance: Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle's exterior. If there are damages, scratches, or exposed metal on the body surface, repaint promptly to prevent rust on the exposed metal, which could affect the vehicle's lifespan. Remove accumulated snow from the car promptly. Although snow appears white and pure, it contains acidic or alkaline corrosive substances. These substances can erode the car paint as the snow melts, causing chemical reactions that damage the paint surface, leading to loss of gloss and the hardest protective layer of the paint, making it more susceptible to erosion.

[MacMackenzie]

I found that 84 disinfectant can indeed corrode car paint, mainly because it contains sodium hypochlorite, a chemical with strong oxidizing properties that can decompose the resin and pigments on the paint surface, leading to fading, cracking, or roughness. This corrosion doesn't happen instantly, but if the liquid stays on the paint for a longer time, such as more than a few minutes, or if the concentration is high, the problem becomes more severe. I've personally experienced this—when cleaning the garage floor, some accidentally splashed near the wheel hub, and a few days later, that area of the paint became dull. To prevent this, never use 84 disinfectant directly on the car body. If disinfecting the interior, it's best to apply it on easy-to-clean plastic or metal surfaces and rinse it off quickly. For paint maintenance, I recommend switching to dedicated car cleaners or soapy water, as they are gentler and help preserve the gloss.

[StAiden]

As a car owner, I have a personal experience to warn everyone: 84 disinfectant can indeed damage car paint. That time, my car got dirty with bird droppings, and I used a bit of 84 to wipe it off for convenience. As a result, within less than a week, the paint in that area started to turn gray and foggy, feeling rough to the touch. This is mainly because the hypochlorite in 84 damages the protective film of the paint layer, making it easier for moisture and pollutants to penetrate and accelerate aging. In similar situations, I learned my lesson: always avoid such strong disinfectants when cleaning the car body; prioritize using neutral pH cleaning solutions or gently wiping with a damp cloth. If disinfection is necessary, such as during a pandemic, it's best to do it in a safe place and not let the liquid stay on for too long. Remember, car paint is like the car's outer clothing—damaging it is expensive and troublesome to repair.

[LeAmara]

I know that 84 disinfectant can corrode car paint. The principle is that its oxidizing effect can damage the paint coating in a short time, making the originally smooth surface become pitted or discolored. I tested a small drop of 84 on an old car myself, and obvious changes were visible overnight. To protect your car, don't be lazy and use 84 directly for cleaning; switch to mild products like car wash shampoo or water. If disinfection is necessary, only use it briefly on areas like floor mats or tires, and rinse it off thoroughly afterward.